Pediatric Center - A-Z Index

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common skin infection caused by bacteria.

Alternative Names

Skin infection - bacterial

Causes

Staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria are the most common causes of cellulitis.

Normal skin has many types of bacteria living on it. When there is a break in the skin, these bacteria can cause a skin infection. Skin in the infected area will become red, hot, irritated, swollen, and painful.

Treatment

You will likely be prescribed antibiotics to be taken by mouth. You may be given pain medicine as well.

At home, raise the infected area higher than your heart to reduce swelling. Rest until your symptoms improve.

You may need to stay in a hospital if:

You are very sick (for example, you have a very high temperature, blood pressure problems, or nausea and vomiting that does not go away)

You have been on antibiotics and the infection is getting worse

Your immune system is not working well (due to cancer, HIV)

You have an infection around your eyes

You require antibiotics through a vein (IV)

Outlook (Prognosis)

Cellulitis usually goes away after taking antibiotics for 7 to 10 days. Longer treatment may be needed if cellulitis is more severe. This may occur if you have a chronic diseases or your immune system is not working properly.

People with fungal infections of the feet may have cellulitis that keeps coming back. Cracks in the skin from the fungal infection allows the bacteria to get into the skin.

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